On Leadership
Take a second to think about leaders you have encountered throughout your life… politicians, bosses, clergy, coaches, civic leaders. What traits stick out that make them admirable… or not? Obviously, there are many but I know for me, the ones that make an impact are leaders who listen and make you feel heard. Leaders that consider many sides of an issue and then communicate a decision making process that addresses conflicting points of view. A competent leader needs to be able to make informed decisions, explain those decisions honestly, and work effectively on behalf of the all of the constituency.
Does this sound like our current senator? One of the many reasons I entered this race is that I believe he is lacking in this essential skill. He is unavailable to the average voter and seems to hold no value in differing viewpoints. He demonstrates this through his avoidance of the mainstream press, infrequent newsletters, partisan social media post, lack of open town halls, and incendiary hyperbolic language casting those with differing opinions as a radical enemy.
How am I different? I ws raised in an environment of treating people with kindness and with respect. I have been an active and involved community member and a good neighbor. I’ve worked in the trades and worked in a professional setting with a 50 year record of solid exemplary performance in all of those settings. I established a reputation among co-workers as a hardworking, ethical, problem solving partner - a natural leader but very much a team player.
Working in Congress demands a unique skillset that requires more than just communication skills. That I don’t diminish, But those are skills that are quickly learned on the job. What I would bring is a different kind of experience: listening, solving problems, building trust, and working with people who don’t always agree. I believe Alaska deserves a senator who will listen before speaking, engage rather than divide, and treat every constituent with respect. That is the kind of leader I intend to be.
